Payslips, explained
What each line on a payslip means, what the law says it must show, and how to make one from your payroll.
What is PAYE on a payslip?
PAYE on a payslip is the Income Tax your employer takes from your pay for HMRC. What it means, how your tax code affects it, and more.
Read the guideYour payslip explained, line by line
Understanding your payslip: what each part of a UK payslip means, from tax code and NI number to gross pay, deductions, net pay and year-to-date totals.
Read the guideUK tax codes on a payslip
What the tax code on your payslip means: the numbers, the letters (L, M, N, T, BR, D0, D1, NT, K, S, C) and emergency codes, as defined by GOV.UK.
Read the guideDo employers have to give payslips?
Yes: UK employers must give employees a payslip on or before payday. What it must show, electronic payslips, and who is not covered, from GOV.UK.
Read the guideHow to make a payslip
How to make a payslip from your payroll: what it must show, the details to gather, the steps in order and the checks to make before payday.
Read the guideP60 vs P45: what’s the difference?
A P60 shows the tax paid on your salary over the tax year; a P45 comes when you leave a job. What each shows, and when you get it.
Read the guideTax code 1257L explained
What tax code 1257L means, how much tax-free pay it gives, and what it leaves you with each month in 2026/27, with worked examples.
Read the guideBR tax code: what it means
What the BR tax code means, why second jobs get it, and how much tax it takes, with a worked 2026/27 example.
Read the guideEmergency tax codes: W1, M1 and X
What an emergency tax code means, why new jobs get one, how W1 and M1 change your tax, and how to get off it.
Read the guideK tax codes explained
What a K tax code means, why it adds to your taxable pay instead of giving a tax-free amount, and the 50% limit, with a worked example.
Read the guide0T tax code: what it means
What the 0T tax code means, why you might have it, how much tax it takes and how to get the right code.
Read the guideNational Insurance rates 2026/27
Employee and employer Class 1 National Insurance rates and thresholds for 2026/27, weekly, monthly and yearly, with worked examples.
Read the guideFree payroll software in the UK, and where payslips fit
HMRC's free Basic PAYE Tools for employers with fewer than 10 employees: what it does, what payroll software must do, and how to produce payslips.
Read the guidePayslip software for small UK employers
The three kinds of payslip software for small UK employers, what each does and costs, and which to pick, with prices checked on 24 September 2026.
Read the guide
Ready to make one? Open the payslip generator.